Excel Slope/Intercept Instructions

Excel has functions which calculate the SLOPE and INTERCEPT of a regression line given a dataset. It also has a function, FORECAST, which creates predicted values (using the "regression" line). These instructions walk you through the steps needed to do the assignment in Unit 5. Similar steps will work to create predicted values for any dataset.

Overview

It is a good idea to set up your spreadsheet in some logical fashion. While it is possible to create a nice graph from data with the x-component data at the top of the worksheet and the y-component 1000 cells below, it's not a good way to set things up. Organization of a worksheet is an art, but any effort you make is very helpful, especially when you have to come back to a spreadsheet you created last year and update a report before your boss's meeting at noon. (And who knows when your boss will want to use your spreadsheet while you're gone?) In addition to logical arrangement of data, headings and comments are very helpful additions to any complex spreadsheet.

Here we set up two extra columns of data to produce straight lines that pass through the original data. One line is the SD-line and the other is the regression line. So, we will set up columns of data with x-values next to y-values. I suggest leaving some room at the top of the spreadsheet to put comments, calculated values like the average, and titles. The bottom is OK too, but harder for others to find if they borrow your spreadsheet.

Make the SD line data

Copy the data into the worksheet and move the columns (cut and paste) so that the variables are lined up next to each other.
Find the averages and standard deviations for each column and the correlation coefficient; place them in cells adjacent to labels so that you (and others) know what they are.
We now have all the information needed to create the SD-line. put an appropriate label at the top of a new column and enter a formula in the first row of data which uses the SD-line formula to calculate the correct y-value for the x-value of that row. Each row corresponds to an x-value and its related y-values (one for the data point, one on the SD-line that we are now computing, and one on the regression line that we will compute below). Remember to use dollar signs before the letter and number of any cells that shouldn't change when you copy from one row to the next. For example, the average and SDs are the same for each row. If they appear in cell D4, then use $D$4 in place of D4.
The SD-line of interest will be downward sloping if the correlation coefficient is negative (so you'll need to have the correlation coefficient computed -- and, I hope, labelled -- somewhere on the sheet). So, for example, use the function SIGN($F$6) to get a plus or minus 1 depending on the sign of the cell F6.
Check that your formula gives the correct answer. Then copy the formula down the column to the other rows. Check to make sure that the correct cell names (like A10) are getting incremented while the ones for the average, SD, etc are not. If necessary, add more dollar signs and copy again.

Make the regression line data

Now to add the column for the regression line: (Did you label it first?)
There are three ways to get the regression line.

You can enter the formula for the regression line just like you did for the SD-line. You have all the needed averages and SDs and the correlation coefficient.
You can have Excel calculate the slope and intercept for you, putting them into special cells (don't forget to label them). Then use the formula for a line in each row of the column. The functions SLOPE and INTERCEPT give you the values you need. They each require two data ranges as inputs, one for the x values and one for the y values -- but for some reason Excel wants the y-values first.
You can use the FORECAST function. This function requires three inputs: the particular x value for which you want a regression result, all the y values, and all the x values. Remember to put dollar signs in the data ranges that you don't want to change when you copy.

Whichever way you choose, copy the formula down the column and check that it incremented (or left alone) the cell ranges correctly.

Make a scatter plot with SD and regression lines

You now have four columns of data! You can make a scatter plot with lines for the SD-line and regression line.

Highlight the four data columns (with their labels at the top) and choose the "chart wizard" (a button at the top with a bar chart). Choose the scatter plot format without lines connecting the points.
The next screen asks you to verify that the four columns that Excel thinks you want are really the ones you want. Select the Series tab at the top and verify that the x and y ranges are correct for each of the three data series (a data series is a column of y values) All OK? Then move to Next screen.
Put titles as you wish and/or remove the legend (i.e., the table telling which symbol represents which series). There will be three sets of data points. Click FINISH to put the chart into your worksheet.
By clicking on the emphasized points on the rim of the chart and moving the mouse, you can change the size or position of the chart.
Initially, the axes will cross at (0,0), while all the data points appear well above and to the right. To make the graph focus on the data points, change the scale of your plot by double-clicking on the x- (or y-) axis and then choosing the "Scale" Tab in the window that appears. Choose appropriate values for the minimum and maximum values of the x and y variables, near the minima and maxima for the data points. You may also want to change the major units to some smaller value, to add more grid lines to the graph.
Make the second (SD line) points and third (predicted) data points appear as lines: Double-click on one of the SD-line points (respectively, "predicted" data points). Then, under the "Pattern" Tab, set the line style to "automatic" and the marker style to "none". Click OK, then click somewhere off the chart (to unselect the data) and look at your chart.